Children with dental problems did not want to go to school because of their embarrassment in front of other pupils, the Dail heard. Mr Michael Ring (FG, Mayo), who complained that national waiting lists for orthodontic treatment were getting worse, also criticised health board officials for their "smart aleck" letters.

Mr Ring said the children did not want to go to school "because they are embarrassed to face their colleagues. Their parents are upset and waiting time for treatment is causing distress in many homes."

During health questions, the Mayo TD read out details of an "insulting" letter stating that the waiting list for treatment was four years. It pointed out that "the person will not get tooth decay or gum disease as a result of being on the waiting list and that the treatment can be done into late adulthood".

It was sufficient to say the wait was four years. "There is no need for smart aleck replies in relation to tooth decay. The treatment might not be done in adulthood, the people will probably be old and grey by the time it is done."

He called on the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to issue a directive that health boards should stop sending insulting replies to parents waiting for treatment for their children.

Mr Martin, who accepted that the waiting lists for such treatment were unacceptably long, said he would have to see the letter Mr Ring was referring to. "In fairness, people are right to give factual information to the public and the health boards endeavour to do that."

He had allocated an additional £5.3 million for orthodontic services, of which £3.7 million was to fund a waiting list initiative. Overall, the initiatives would increase the numbers in treatment by 5,500 a year and significantly reduce waiting times.